Device and method for measuring the level of liquid in a container

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a filling level measuring device (10) for measuring the filling level in a container (2) through the wall (9) thereof by means of ultrasound, having an ultrasonic measuring head (12), a controller (20), and a fastening device (24) by means of which the filling level measuring device (10) can be fastened to the container (2) such that the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is pressed against the wall (9) of the container (2). The invention further relates to a method of operating such a filling level measuring device (10), wherein a sampling rate is used which is situation-dependent. The invention finally relates to an assembly made up of such a filling level measuring device and at least one spacer (50) which can be attached to the lower edge of a container (2) to be provided with the filling level measuring device (10).

This application claims benefit from and is a Divisional of U.S.Divisional application Ser. No. 16/168,063, filed Oct. 23, 2018, titledDEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THE LEVEL OF A LIQUID IN A CONTAINER,which is a Divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/042,890, filedFeb. 12, 2016, titled DEVICE AND METHOD FOR MEASURING THE LEVEL OFLIQUID IN A CONTAINER, which claims benefit from Application No. DE 102015 113 908.1, filed on Aug. 21, 2015, entitled FUELLSTANDSMESSGERAET,VERFAHREN ZUM BETREIBEN EINES FUELLSTANDSMESSGERAETS SOWIE BAUGRUPPEBESTEHEND AUS EINEM FUELLSTANDSMESSGERAET UND MINDESTENS EINEMABSTANDSHALTER which application is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

The invention relates to a filling level measuring device for measuringthe filling level in a container through the wall thereof by means ofultrasound.

By measuring a filling level by means of ultrasound, the filling levelin the container can be determined without a filling level meter havingto be introduced into the interior of the container or the containerhaving to be opened for the purpose of measuring. This is of advantagein particular for containers which are under a high pressure, forexample liquefied gas cylinders, or are not adapted to be opened forother reasons.

DE 20 2011 110 687 discloses a mobile filling level measuring device formeasuring the filling level by means of ultrasound. It is in the form ofa hand-held measuring device which is pressed against the wall of thecontainer by a user when required, to carry out a measuring process. Thefilling level measuring device will then indicate whether or not aliquid is present inside the container at the level at which themeasuring device was applied.

DE 198 20 482 C1 discloses a stationary filling level measuring devicewhich is integrated in a base onto which a gas cylinder can be placed.

The object of the invention consists in providing a filling levelmeasuring device which is suitable for stationary applications over along period of time and can be employed with a multitude of differentcontainers and types of containers.

To achieve this object, according to the invention provision is made fora filling level measuring device for measuring the filling level in acontainer through the wall thereof by means of ultrasound, including anultrasonic measuring head, a controller, and a fastening device by meansof which the filling level measuring device can be fastened to thecontainer such that the ultrasonic measuring head is pressed against thewall of the container. The invention is based on the fundamental idea ofintegrating a fastening device into the filling level measuring device,so that the latter is permanently held at the container. In this way,the filling level measuring device can be used for long-termmeasurements of the filling level. Furthermore, it can be employed for alarge number of different containers since it can be flexibly fastenedto the wall of the container independently of the specific geometrythereof.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is madethat the fastening device contains magnets. This embodiment allows thefilling level measuring device to be attached, with the most minimaleffort, to any container consisting of a ferromagnetic material, thatis, in particular to any steel cylinder. The clamping magnets hold thefilling level measuring device in the desired position until it isremoved again.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, provision ismade that the fastening device contains an adhesive. In this embodiment,the filling level measuring device may be stuck to the wall of thecontainer at the desired place similar to a medical tape, where it willthen remain on a long-term basis. In order to attach the filling levelmeasuring device to the next container after it has been removed fromthe previous container, the “old” adhesive layer may be used again or anew adhesive layer is applied, depending on the type of adhesive.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, provision is madethat the fastening device contains a spring clip. The spring clip isparticularly suitable for attaching the filling level measuring deviceto any projecting parts of the container, for example a foot rim or ahandle.

The fastening device may also contain a tensioning strap. This strapextends around the circumference of the container to press the fillinglevel measuring device and, in particular, the ultrasonic measuring headagainst the wall thereof.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a communicationinterface is provided, which can be used for transmitting measuredfilling level values to the outside, so that they can be displayed to auser.

The communication interface preferably includes a transmitter/receiverunit for a wireless communication. In this way, the effort for a wiringof the filling level measuring device is dispensed with.

Preferably, the transmitter/receiver unit operates on the Bluetoothstandard. This allows the measured filling level values to betransmitted over a distance that is fully sufficient for manyapplications, at a low energy consumption (for example in the campingsector, for a barbecue, for patio heaters, a catering business, or forroofers).

According to an alternative embodiment, provision is made that thecommunication interface is a plug. This allows a wired data transfer tobe effected for example to a bus system (LIN bus or CAN bus).

According to one configuration of the invention, provision is made herethat a power supply for the controller is integrated in thecommunication interface. In this way, a separate energy supply of thefilling level measuring device may be dispensed with.

According to a preferred embodiment, an energy source is integrated inthe filling level measuring device. This makes the filling levelmeasuring device completely self-contained.

The energy source may contain two batteries. These batteries can ensurean energy supply over a sufficiently long period of time, for example upto one year, at low cost.

Here, the batteries are preferably exchangeable, so that the fillinglevel measuring device as such can be used over a long time.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is madethat the batteries are arranged at a distance from the ultrasonicmeasuring head. This is of advantage from the aspects of structuralspace in cases of application in which the filling level measuringdevice is used on the bottom of a gas cylinder. In this case, in fact,the ultrasonic measuring head is usually located at the lowest point ofthe bottom, that is, where the distance from the ground is smallest. Thedistance between the ground and the bottom of the gas cylinder isgreater at the sides thereof, so that it is simpler to accommodate thebatteries there.

Preferably, the two batteries are arranged diametrically opposite toeach other on the outer edge of the filling level measuring device,since this is where the greatest amount of space is available.

According to one configuration of the invention, a housing is providedin which the components of the filling level measuring device areintegrated. As a result, the filling level measuring device is simple tohandle, and the components are mechanically protected.

According to one configuration, it is provided for that the housing isone-piece. This makes it easier to attach the filling level measuringdevice to the container.

According to one configuration, provision is made here that the housingis made from an elastomeric plastic and is intrinsically bendable. Thisallows the filling level measuring device to be flexibly attached tocontainers which differ in terms of the curvature of the wall againstwhich the ultrasonic measuring head is to be pressed. In addition, owingto the material, an especially effective protection from externalmechanical loads is obtained, for example when the container is placedon an uneven ground and the filling level measuring device contacts theground.

According to an alternative design, provision is made that the housingis configured in several parts with a joint between the parts. Thisallows the filling level measuring device to be flexibly attached tocontainers which differ in terms of the curvature of the wall againstwhich the ultrasonic measuring head is to be pressed.

According to one embodiment, a spring band is provided between the partsof the housing here. In this way, the desired contact pressure of theultrasonic measuring head against the wall of the container can begenerated with little effort.

The ultrasonic measuring head may also be arranged in the housing so asto be spring-mounted, so that it rests against the wall of the containerwith the desired contact pressure when the filling level measuringdevice is attached to the wall of the container.

According to one embodiment, springs are provided which urge theultrasonic measuring head against the wall of the container. Using suchsprings, the desired contact pressure can be produced over a long time.

According to one configuration of the invention, provision is made herethat the springs are made from plastic in one piece with the housing. Inthis way, the effort for mounting separate springs is avoided.

If the fastening device contains one or more magnets, preferably aretainer is provided for the magnet or magnets, the retainer beingclosed by a housing wall on its side toward the container. In otherwords, the magnet (or magnets) is/are separated from the wall of thecontainer by the housing wall. This has two advantages: for one thing, aprotection from corrosion of the magnets is obtained because the housingseals the magnets off on the side facing the container. For anotherthing, the magnetic forces that act when the housing is attached to acontainer are absorbed by the housing without any additional measuresbeing necessary for ensuring that the magnet or magnets reliablyremain(s) within the retainer even over a long service life.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a temperature sensor isprovided. The temperature sensor can be used for increasing themeasuring accuracy since the sound velocity in liquids depends on thetemperature, among other things. In addition, because of the thermalexpansion of the liquid, the liquid level in the container is alsotemperature-dependent. If the liquid that is considered is liquefiedgas, it is to be noted that the two effects have a significant andnonlinear influence on the propagation time of the sound signal, withthe amount of gas being otherwise unchanged, so that for ascertainingthe correct amount of liquefied gas in the container, atemperature-dependent compensation is required. It is sufficient here ifthe temperature is measured in the filling level measuring device andtherefore in the vicinity of the container since it can be assumed thatthe temperature measured outside the container, for example on theunderside thereof, is approximately the same as the temperature of theliquid inside the container, at least if extreme cases such as one-sidedsolar radiation or heavy temperature changes are excluded.

The temperature sensor may be integrated in a coupling cushion which isarranged on that side of the ultrasonic measuring head which faces thewall of the container. In this way, the temperature sensor is located inthe vicinity of the wall of the container while it is well protectedfrom environmental influences at the same time.

Preferably, the housing is provided with a load transmission sectionwhich is arranged in the vicinity of the coupling cushion. The loadtransmission section either lies against the bottom of the container oris located at a small distance from the bottom. If the filling levelmeasuring device is excessively strongly pressed against the container,for example because there is a protruding object underneath the housing,the loads are transmitted directly to the container via the loadtransmission section, so that the coupling cushion and the measuringhead are protected from high forces. At the same time, the housing isprotected from high loads.

The coupling cushion consists of an elastomer and ensures the good soundtransmission between the ultrasonic measuring head (in particular anultrasonic generator used there, such as a piezoceramics) and the wallof the container while at the same time the ultrasonic measuring head isprotected from a direct contact. Furthermore, if the coupling cushion isconfigured with a sufficient compressibility, it can compensatedifferent degrees of bulginess of the wall of the container and alsocertain tolerances and can therefore ensure a good sound transmission ineach case. The elastomer is designed here such that with the usualcontact pressure forces, the yield point of the elastomer is notreached, so that the contact pressure against the wall of the containeris maintained even in the case of a long and constant pressure.

The coupling cushion may be encapsulated with or firmly bonded to theultrasonic measuring head.

According to a preferred embodiment, the elasticity of the couplingcushion is selected such that the coupling cushion generates, on its own(that is, without springs being required in the housing), the necessarycontact pressure of the ultrasonic measuring head against the wall ofthe container when the filling level measuring device is pressed againstthe wall of the container by the action of the fastening device. Thiscontact pressure deforms the coupling cushion to such an extent that itconforms well to the shape of the wall of the container and theultrasonic waves are well coupled into the wall of the container by thepiezoceramics, and vice versa.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the couplingcushion is mounted to the housing so as to be exchangeable. This allowsa user to exchange the coupling cushion if required, for example in thecase of wear or if the coupling cushion no longer has the desiredelasticity after a long time of use.

According to one embodiment, provision may be made here for a pluralityof coupling cushions in the nature of a modular system, which areconfigured with different geometries. This allows the user to adapt,with little effort, the filling level measuring device to containershaving different geometries, so that an optimum measuring accuracy isobtained at all events.

According to one variant, the coupling cushion is adhesively bonded tothe ultrasonic measuring head so as to be easily detachable. This allowsthe user to remove an old coupling cushion or one that no longer fits interms of its geometry, from the ultrasonic measuring head and to fix anew coupling cushion in place.

Alternatively or additionally, the coupling cushion may be mechanicallyfastened to the filling level measuring device. To this end, clampingconnections or a quarter-turn fastener may be used, so that the couplingcushion can, on the one hand, be exchanged with little effort, but, onthe other hand, is reliably held.

According to one embodiment of the invention, provision is made that thecontroller contains a prognosis module with a memory. This allows toprovide to a user an estimated value, on the basis of the consumption inthe past, until when the supply in the container will still last.

The controller may also contain a characteristics module in which thedevelopment of a filling height in dependence on the liquid volumepresent in the container is stored. The characteristics module can beused for increasing the accuracy of the filling level measurement,particularly when the cross-section of the container varies over thefilling height. One example thereof is the bulged shape of a gascylinder in the lower portion.

In the operation of the filling level measuring device, it isadvantageous if a sampling rate is used which is situation-dependent.Generally speaking, a high sampling rate, that is, a comparatively rapidsequence of individual measuring processes, is used when, based onexternal influences, the controller detects that this is of advantage.Conversely, the sampling rate is reduced if the controller realizes thata high sampling rate makes no sense. These measures allow the operatingtime to be increased that can be obtained with one set of batteries.

When the controller detects that the filling level measuring device ismounted to a new container, preferably a series of measurements isinitiated the results of which are averaged to determine a startingfilling level. In this way, a reliable measured filling level value isavailable to a user after a comparatively short time.

After the starting filling level has been determined, the controllerpreferably reduces the sampling rate. This is possible without anyproblems without a decrease in the accuracy of the filling levelascertained, because the filling level in a gas cylinder, for example,will not change so greatly, even when consumption is at a maximum, thatone measurement every minute, for example, would not be sufficient.

The sampling rate may be further reduced when the controller ascertainsa constant filling level over a longer period of time. This can beconstrued by the controller to mean that no liquid is currently takenfrom the container, so that one measurement per hour, for example, issufficient. Then, as soon as a decrease in the filling level is detectedagain, the controller can also raise the sampling rate again.

According to one configuration of the invention, provision is made thatthe controller greatly reduces the sampling rate or discontinues themeasurements altogether if it detects no communication of the fillinglevel measuring device with an external receiver. In simpler terms, thisconfiguration is based on the principle that no measurement will beperformed if nobody asks for the measured filling level value. Oneexample of this process is a recreational vehicle or campervan that isimmobilized outside of vacation times. As a result, a receiver thatnormally communicates with the filling level measuring device is alsoshut down. When the controller detects that no communication ispossible, the sampling rate may be reduced to a very low value or evento zero. When the controller detects that a communication has beenestablished again, a higher sampling rate can be utilized again. In thiscase, it is also possible to initially use a greatly increased samplingrate such as is used when a new container is identified.

According to one configuration of the invention, when the controllerdetects a low filling level, it proceeds from an evaluation of a firstecho of the ultrasonic waves generated to an evaluation of a second orthird echo of the ultrasonic waves. This allows a reliable measurementeven when the filling level is low. When there is a low filling level inthe container, the time interval between emission of the ultrasonicsignal and reception of the echo becomes shorter and shorter. To makethings more difficult, after emission of the sound signal, the ceramicswill still post-oscillate for a while and will therefore not beimmediately ready to receive. Therefore, it may possibly be difficult tomeasure the first echo, i.e. the first reflection of the ultrasonicwaves at the interface between the liquid and the gas. Usually, however,the wave front is reflected several times, that is, after a reflectionat the liquid/gaseous interface it is reflected at the bottom of thecontainer again, then at the interface again, then at the bottom again,and so on. While these echoes become increasingly weaker, they arebasically suitable for evaluation.

According to one embodiment, it is provided that when the filling heightis low, the transmitting power of the ultrasonic measuring head isreduced. This is based on the finding that when liquid levels are low,the propagation distance of the sound waves is smaller, so that even inthe case of a low transmitting power, an echo will reliably arrive atthe ultrasonic measuring head. A low transmitting power has theadvantage that the reverberation time after emission of the sound wavedecreases and, therefore, the ceramics returns to a ready-to-receivestate again faster. In this way, lower filling levels can be measured.

According to one configuration of the invention, provision is made thatwhen the controller detects that the filling level falls below a definedfilling level, it causes the user to receive a special notice. This maybe an alarm message on the display device (for example on thesmartphone). This ensures that the user will take appropriate measuresin time, for example arrange for a replacement of the empty liquidcontainer.

Provision may also be made that the controller sends an appropriatesignal relating to a low filling level to a vehicle-mounted controllerto which a variety of devices are connected, such as a refrigerator or aheating system. In a first step, a signal may be provided to the user ona screen that the filling level is low and that a replacement should beprocured. However, depending on the filling level, the vehicle-mountedcontroller can take further measures, such as, e.g., reduce the power ofthose devices that are connected to the gas cylinder, in order to reduceconsumption. For instance, the power of a heating system could belowered to such a degree that the heating then only has the function ofa frost monitor. A freezer compartment of a refrigerator could be turnedto a slightly higher temperature to reduce the temperature difference ascompared with the surroundings and thus to reduce consumption.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that whenthe controller detects that the filling level falls below a definedfilling level, it arranges for a new container to be procured. In apreferred embodiment, this is achieved in that an application softwareon the smartphone arranges for a repeat order from an appropriateservice provider to be initiated. This may be performed via an Internetconnection or an SMS communication, for example. This is an especiallyconvenient configuration because the process chain provides for anuninterruptible supply with the liquid to be measured, without theapplicant having to take action himself.

A separate aspect of the invention relates to an assembly including afilling level measuring device as has been described above, and at leastone spacer which can be attached to the lower edge of a container to beprovided with the filling level measuring device. The spacer can serveto increase the distance between the bottom of the container and theground, so that the filling level measuring device can be reliablymounted there even when the container is placed on an uneven ground (forexample gravel). Use of the spacers reduces the risk of the containerthat is provided with the filling level measuring device being supportedon the ground via the filling level measuring device, which mightpossibly result in damage to the filling level measuring device.

The spacer may be a base having an open or a closed bottom. Such a baseis preferred especially when the container is to be placed on a looseground. A closed bottom will provide even more protection.

The base preferably includes two positioning formations for two types ofcontainers. The positioning formations may be rings or clamps, forexample, which can be used for reliably attaching the base to a footring of the container. Having different positioning formations allowsone and the same base to be used for different containers.

Provision may also be made that the spacer consists of three or morespacer elements which can be clipped to the lower edge of the containerand which can be mounted by a user in a flexible manner whenever this isadvantageous in a particular case.

Preferably, each spacer element includes a slot of a first type and atleast one second slot of a further type. This allows the use of the samespacer elements for different containers.

Preferably, the spacer elements are built up of an elastic plasticmaterial, so that a deformation of the slots allows further types ofcontainers to be used in that the slots flexibly adapt to the containeredge.

The invention will be described below with reference to variousembodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a filling level measuringdevice according to the invention, attached to a container;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the filling level measuringdevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a filling level measuringdevice according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the filling level measuring device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a filling level measuringdevice according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 schematically shows the electronic components of a filling levelmeasuring device according to the invention;

FIG. 7 shows, in a diagram, the sampling rate used by the filling levelmeasuring device, over time;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective broken-away view of three spacer elementswhich are mounted to a container;

FIG. 9 shows an enlarged perspective view of one of the spacer elementsshown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic top view of a spring clip used for attachingthe filling level measuring device;

FIG. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of a filling level measuringdevice attached to a container by means of the spring clip of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a schematic top view of a housing of the filling levelmeasuring device;

FIG. 13 shows a schematic sectional view of the housing of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 shows a schematic view of a filling level measuring deviceaccording to a further embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a container 2 in the interior of which a liquid 3 iscontained. The liquid 3 fills the interior of the container 2 up to afilling level F; above the liquid surface there is a gaseous medium 4,which may be vaporized liquid 3 or air that has absorbed a certainportion of vaporized liquid 3.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the container 2 is a liquefied gascylinder which is provided with a gas connection 5, a bottom 6, and afoot ring 7. The liquefied gas cylinder stands on a ground 8, forinstance the bottom of a gas box of a recreational vehicle, by its footring 7. The wall 9 of the liquefied gas cylinder consists of aferromagnetic steel alloy.

Attached to the bottom 6 of the liquefied gas cylinder is a fillinglevel measuring device 10 which can be used for determining the fillinglevel F within the liquefied gas cylinder and thus the quantity of theliquefied gas present in the liquefied gas cylinder.

Although the filling level measuring device 10 will be described inconnection with a liquefied gas cylinder below, it is basically suitableand intended for use with other types of containers 2. It is also notabsolutely necessary to attach the filling level measuring device 10 tothe bottom 6 of a container. The filling level measuring device 10 couldalso be arranged on the side wall or on the top of the container, forexample.

For determining the filling level F within the container 2, the fillinglevel measuring device 10 operates with ultrasounds. In general terms,ultrasonic waves are generated, which are coupled into the wall 9 of thecontainer (in the exemplary embodiment shown, specifically into thebottom 6). The ultrasonic waves travel from there through the liquid asa signal S and are reflected at the interface between the liquid mediumand the gaseous medium, so that they return as an echo E. This echo canbe detected by the filling level measuring device 10. The propagationtime of the sound waves is indicative of the filling level and, if thegeometry of the container 2 is known, this filling level can beconverted to a filling quantity (either liters or kilograms).

The filling level measuring device 10 includes an ultrasonic measuringhead 12 which more particularly is a piezoceramics. On the side facingthe container 2, the ultrasonic measuring head 12 is provided with acoupling cushion 14 which is made from an elastomer such as silicone.The coupling cushion 14 serves to couple the oscillations of thepiezoceramics into the wall of the container 2 and, conversely, totransmit the oscillations of the wall of the container 2 that resultfrom the echo E back to the piezoceramics.

The ultrasonic measuring head 12 is arranged in a housing 16 which isconfigured in two parts here. It consists of a housing part 16A and ahousing part 16B, which are connected with each other. In the exemplaryembodiment shown, a schematically illustrated hinge 18 is provided here.

The filling level measuring device 10 is further provided with acontroller 20 which can be made use of for measuring the filling level.Details of the controller will be discussed further below with referenceto FIG. 5.

Provision is made for an energy supply in the form of two exchangeablebatteries 22, which provides the electric energy necessary for theoperation of the controller 20. The batteries may be commerciallyavailable size AA batteries.

The batteries 22 are arranged in the housing parts 16A, 16B as close tothe outer ends as possible, that is, at a large distance from the hinge18.

To be able to fasten the filling level measuring device 10 to thecontainer 2, a fastening device 24 is provided which, in this case,consists of two magnets. Here, each housing part 16A, 16B has one magnet24 arranged therein, more specifically on the side facing away from thehinge 18.

The ultrasonic measuring head 12 is arranged in the housing 16 so as tobe elastically spring-mounted, more precisely such that it is urged outof the housing 16 towards that side on which the magnets 24 arearranged.

Two springs 26 are provided here for the spring-mounted attachment ofthe ultrasonic measuring head.

The springs 26 may be separate springs which are mounted in the housingparts 16A, 16B. It is preferred, however, that the springs 26 areproduced in one piece with the housing parts 16A, 16B, namely, in theform of injection molded elements of the housing parts 16A, 16B.

The housing 16 is provided with a spring band 28 which is effectivebetween the two housing parts 16A, 16B. The spring band 28 acts upon thetwo housing parts relative to each other in the direction of the arrowsP shown in FIG. 2, that is, urging the magnets 24 away from a “top side”which is defined by the side on which the coupling cushion 14 islocated.

To attach the filling level measuring device 10 to the container 2, itis applied to the bottom 6 such that the ultrasonic measuring head 12 islocated roughly at the lowest point of the bottom. Then the two housingparts 16A, 16B are pressed against the bottom 6 contrary to the actionof the spring band 28 such that the magnets 24 will magnetically adhereto the bottom 6. Owing to the action of the spring band 28, the housing16 is pressed against the curved bottom 6 of the container 2 in theregion of the hinge 18, as a result of which the ultrasonic measuringhead 12 is pressed by its coupling cushion 14 against the bottom 6 ofthe container 2. Here, the springs 26 provide for the desired contactpressure (as required with a view to the transmission of ultrasonicwaves) and also for a tolerance compensation.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of the filling level measuringdevice 10. The same reference numbers are used for the components knownfrom the first embodiment, and reference is made to the abovediscussions in this respect.

The difference between the first and second embodiments resides in thatin the second embodiment, the two housing parts 16A, 16B are attached toopposite sides of a central housing part 16C, rather than to each other.Mounted in the housing part 16C is the ultrasonic measuring head 12.Like in the first embodiment, springs may be used for this.

Unlike in the first embodiment, the hinge 18 used between the firsthousing part 16A and the third housing part 16C and also between thethird housing part 16C and the second housing part 16B is not a fixedhinge, but an elastomeric joint which allows the desired mobilitybetween the housing parts.

In the second embodiment as well, the housing parts 16A, 16B, 16C have aspring band 28 integrated therein which urges the housing parts 16A,16B, 16C to an initial position. In the initial position, the lowersides of the three housing parts may extend in one plane (see FIG. 3).

A further difference between the first and second embodiments resides inthat in the second embodiment, the energy supply (here, too, batteries22 are used) is not split up to two housing parts, but that twobatteries 22 are arranged side by side in one housing part (in thiscase, the second housing part 16B). But the batteries 22 are arranged onthe outer edge in the same way as in the first embodiment.

The filling level measuring device 10 according to the second embodimentis attached to the container in the same manner as has been discussedfor the first embodiment. When the two housing parts 16A, 16B areapproached to the wall of the container 2 such that the magnets 24adhere to the wall 9 of the container, the desired pretension betweenthe ultrasonic measuring head 12 and the wall of the container will beautomatically produced.

FIG. 5 shows a filling level measuring device according to a thirdembodiment. The same reference numbers are used for the components knownfrom the preceding embodiments, and reference is made to the abovediscussions in this respect.

In the third embodiment, a rigid housing 16 is used, which consists ofan upper part 16A and a lower part 16B. The two parts 16A, 16B may besnap-fitted to each other, so that a user can exchange the batteries 22received therein with little effort.

As an alternative, it is also possible to provide two small covers onthe lower side, each for one battery compartment, so that a user canexchange the batteries without separating the two parts 16A, 16B fromeach other.

The difference between the third and the first two embodiments residesin that in the third embodiment, the ultrasonic measuring head 12 isrigidly mounted in the housing.

Here, the necessary pretension between the wall of the container 2 andthe ultrasonic measuring head 12 is obtained solely by the dimensioningof the coupling cushion 14 and the material thereof. In this connection,the material is selected with regard to its dimensions and itsproperties such that the required contact pressure is generated and willbe provided over the entire service life of the device.

The coupling cushion 14 projects slightly over the side of the housing16 that faces the container 2. The projection s may be on the order of 1to 2 mm.

When the filling level measuring device 10 is applied to a container(see the bottom wall 6 of a container, indicated in dashed lines in FIG.5), the wall thereof compresses the coupling cushion 14 under the actionof the force of attraction of the fastening device 24, so that thedesired pretension is produced. The coupling cushion 14 can yieldlaterally here, since an annular free space 50 is provided between thehousing 16 and the coupling cushion.

The projection s of the coupling cushion defines the maximum extent towhich the coupling cushion 14 can be compressed (for a wall of acontainer with the smallest radius of curvature).

A further difference between the third and the first two embodimentsconsists in that in the third embodiment, a load transmission section 52is provided in the housing. It serves to transmit loads which act on theside of the housing 16 facing away from the container 2 directly to theside of the housing 16 facing the container 2 and from there to the wallof the container 2.

The load transmission section is configured as a material section herethat is continuous from the top side to the lower side of the housing16. It is ring-shaped and surrounds the ultrasonic measuring head 12 andthe coupling cushion 14, so that the free space 50 is provided. As analternative, a plurality of separate load transmission sections whichare configured like posts, for example, could also be used.

If excessively high loads or stresses act on the filling level measuringdevice 10 (for example if the container 2 provided with the fillinglevel measuring device 10 is placed on a gravel ground and a stonepresses against the housing 16), these loads or stresses are transmittedthrough the housing and introduced into the wall of the container 2. Thehousing can not be damaged here since the load transmission sectionextends directly from the bottom (in this case, from the lower part 16B)to the top side of the housing 16 (in this case, to the upper part 16A).

At the same time, the coupling cushion is protected from any excessivelyhigh loads since, as from a particular load, the top side of the housing16 rests against the container and the coupling cushion 14 can not becompressed further.

An annular magnet 24 which is arranged in an annular retainer 60 may beused as the fastening device. The bottom of the retainer 60 (in theorientation of the housing as shown in FIG. 5: the upper side of theretainer) is formed by a wall of the housing. The radially inner side ofthe retainer is formed by the load transmission section 52 here.

When the filling level measuring device 10 is mounted to a container,the magnet pulls the housing 16 against the container so that thefilling level measuring device 10 is fixed in place on the wall of thecontainer. At the same time, the adhesive forces pull the magnet 24against the wall which defines the retainer 60. It is thereforesufficient to secure the magnet 24 only in such a way as to prevent itfrom falling out of the retainer 60.

The radially outer side of the retainer (material section 53) hereextends as far as to the lower part 16B of the housing 16 and thus actsas a part of the load transmission section 52.

As an alternative to an annular magnet 24, a plurality of individualmagnets may also be used, which are then arranged around the ultrasonicmeasuring head 12. For example, three magnets may be used, which areconcentrically arranged in separate retainers around the ultrasonicmeasuring head 12, spaced apart by 120 degrees.

The features of a load transmission section 52 and of a retainer for themagnets which is closed by a wall of the housing 16 on the side of thecontainer may also be employed, separately or in combination, with thefirst or the second embodiment.

In all of the embodiments of the housing, the controller 20 (see FIG. 6)is able to drive the ultrasonic measuring head 12 in a suitable mannerto generate ultrasonic waves there and to detect when an ultrasonic echoimpinges on the ultrasonic measuring head 12.

To increase the accuracy of the filling level measurement, a temperaturesensor 30 is preferably provided which allows the controller 20 to takethe (approximated) temperature of the liquid 3 inside the container 2into account in evaluating the propagation time signal. The temperaturesensor 30 may, for example, be molded or encapsulated within thecoupling cushion 14, so that the temperature measured by it isdependent, at least to a certain extent, on the temperature of the wall9 against which the coupling cushion 14 is pressed during a measurement.Alternatively, it is possible to arrange the temperature sensor 30within the housing 16.

The controller 20 further includes a prognosis module 32 for enablingthe controller 20 to make a projection as to how long the supply ofliquid 3 in the cylinder 2 will still last, in dependence on the currentfilling level and depending on consumption values from the past(assuming that the consumption values do not vary significantly).

Further provided is a characteristics module 34 in which the quantity(or the volume) of liquid 3 present in the container 2 in dependence onthe filling level F is recorded. The type of liquid 3 which is in thecontainer 2 may also be laid down in the characteristics module 34. Thisis relevant in cases where the filling level measuring device 10 isintended for universal use for filling level measurements in a varietyof different containers, since different liquids have different soundvelocities that need to be considered in the filling level measurement.

The controller 20 has a communication interface 36 assigned to it, viawhich the result of the filling level measurement is made available to auser.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, the communication interface 36 is awireless communication interface which operates on the Bluetoothstandard and via which it is possible to send the measurement result toa receiver 38 (see FIG. 1).

The receiver 38 may be a smartphone of a user, for example. It cancouple to the filling level measuring device 10 and can either initiatea measuring process or retrieve a measured filling level value stored ina measured value memory 40 of the controller 20.

The receiver 38 may also be a higher-level device control, for examplein a recreational vehicle, which serves for a central control andmonitoring of different devices such as a heating, an air conditioningsystem or a water supply. The controller 20 of the filling levelmeasuring device 10 can transmit to this device control a measuredfilling level value, so that the latter can be displayed to a user on acentral operating panel or, again, on a mobile terminal (smartphone)which is connected to the higher-level device control.

The measured value memory 40 also ensures that no data loss whatsoeverwill occur if the communication with a receiver 38 is temporarilyinterrupted; nonetheless, prognostic data, for example, are availableagain at any time. In addition, measured values may be made available toa plurality of receivers 38 without any problem, even if some of themwere connected to the communication interface 36 only recently.

When the filling level measuring device 10 is newly attached to acontainer 2, initially a high sampling rate may be utilized (see area Iin FIG. 7). For example, measurements of the filling level may becarried out in intervals of one second. The measured values obtainedhere are averaged, so that the current filling level is ascertainedfairly reliably after a relatively short time (one minute at most, forexample). Subsequently, the sampling rate is reduced (either in atime-controlled manner or when the controller realizes that the fillinglevels ascertained vary sufficiently stably about a mean value) (seearea II in FIG. 7). For example, the sampling rate is decreased to onemeasurement per minute. This sampling rate is sufficient for detecting achange in the filling level F of the container 2 and also for providinga prognosis about the range of the remaining filling level.

If the controller 20 detects, over a certain period of time (which maypossibly be specifiable by the user), that the filling level F does notchange, the sampling rate can be reduced further (see the area III inFIG. 7). For example, only one measurement per hour will be taken then.

If the controller 20 detects that the communication interface 36 nolonger has a receiver 38 coupled to it, the sampling rate may also bereduced to zero.

In response to an external signal (either a change in the filling levelor a coupling of a receiver 38 to the communication interface 36), thesampling rate is increased again (see area IV of FIG. 7). In doing so,measurements can either be taken with a high sampling rate, as isillustrated here (this is advisable in particular if a sampling rate ofzero had been used in the meantime), in order to be able to reliablyascertain a starting filling level in case the container has possiblybeen exchanged. As an alternative, measurements can be continued using amean sampling rate (corresponding to area V of FIG. 7), to be able tocontinue to reliably record the consumption and the filling level thatchanges accordingly.

Based on the variable sampling rate, and in particular based on the factthat the sampling rate is lowered to the greatest possible extent ifthis is possible without an impairment as regards the measuringaccuracy, one set of batteries 22 allows to obtain a period of operationof up to a year.

According to one variant embodiment, the filling level measuring device10 is provided with current limiting diodes which ensure that the energymade available to the controller 20 remains below certain limits. As aresult, it is not necessary to encapsulate or pot the components of thecontroller so as to make them explosion-proof in order to be able toemploy the filling level measuring device without any problem in areasthat are subject to explosion hazards.

In various applications it may be advantageous to make provision for aspacer 50 between the container 2 and the ground 8. If it is made of aplastic material, a spacer 50 can be used for producing an intermediatespace between the foot ring 7 and the possibly metallic bottom of a gasbox, as a result of which the wireless communication between thecommunication interface 36 and the receiver 38 is improved.

A spacer 50 may also be of advantage if the container 2 with the fillinglevel measuring device 10 attached thereto is to be placed on a looseground, such as gravel. Here there is the risk of the foot ring 7digging into the ground 8 and the filling level measuring device 10being pressed against any protruding portions of the ground 8 under theweight of the container 2.

The spacer 50 may be a surrounding ring, for example (see FIG. 1), whichis adapted to the diameter of the foot ring 7 and may be provided with aplurality of smaller magnets, so that it adheres to the foot ring 7.This makes handling easier.

Protection from mechanical influences is still further improved if thering in question has a closed bottom. This bottom may be connected withthe ring by a substance-to-substance bond, for example in that the ringand the bottom are made from a thermoformed plastic part.

The spacer 50 may also be formed by a plurality of spacer elements 50A,50B, 50C, as are illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. The spacer elements 50A,50B, 50C are clip-like plastic parts here, which are provided with aslot 52 of a first type and a slot 54 of a second type. The slots 52, 54are adapted to different foot rings 7, so that the spacer elements canbe used with different containers 2. Depending on the type of container,the spacer elements are clipped onto the foot ring 7 in one orientationor the other.

The filling level measuring device 10 can also be attached to containers2 by means of fastening devices 24 of other configurations, inparticular to containers that are not made of a ferromagnetic material,such as, e.g., of an aluminum alloy. For instance, a tensioning strapmay be used for attaching the filling level measuring device 10 to thecircumference of the wall 9.

The filling level measuring device 10 may also be glued onto the wall 9of the container.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show an embodiment in which a spring clip 70 is used bymeans of which the filling level measuring device 10 is mounted inside afoot ring 7. This spring clip can then support itself against a flangededge portion of the foot ring 7 and allows the filling level measuringdevice 10 to be attached to an aluminum gas cylinder, for example.

The spring clip 70 includes a basic element 72 which is connected withthe filling level measuring device 10, and a locking element 74. Thelocking element 74 is pivotably connected with the basic element 72 here(for example by means of a pin or rivet 75), so that it can betransferred from a folded-in position (see locking element 74 shown insolid lines in FIG. 10), in which the spring clip 70 has a length thatis smaller than the inside diameter of the foot ring 7, to a folded-outposition (illustrated in dashed lines in FIG. 10), in which the lengthof the spring clip 70 is greater than the inside diameter of the footring 7.

The basic element 72 and the locking element 74 each have a bent end 76which constitutes a hook that can be hooked in the inside of the footring 7.

The basic element 72 is provided with a holder 78 or a similarpositioning formation, so that the filling level measuring device 10 isheld in the middle of the spring clip 70. The holder 78 may be formed bytwo embossed portions of the basic element 72 or else by positioningpins mounted there.

The filling level measuring device is held in the holder 78 firstly byresting against the side walls 80 and, secondly, by magnetic force. Themagnets that attract the filling level measuring device 10 to aferromagnetic wall of a gas cylinder make sure in this connection thatthe filling level measuring device 10 adheres to the basic element 72 ofthe spring clip 70. In this way, the filling level measuring device 10constitutes a unit with the spring clip 70, so that a user can mount itwith one hand while he/she holds the gas cylinder with the other hand.

The spring clip 70 is preferably made of galvanized steel.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a preferred housing 16 for the filling levelmeasuring device 10. It has a constriction 90 in the middle, so that itis easily possible for a user to grasp the filling level measuringdevice and to pull it off from a container contrary to the magneticforces that act. Applying it in the center of the bottom of thecontainer is also facilitated in this way.

As can be seen in FIG. 13, the housing 16 may be provided with agripping edge 92 or a similar formation, for instance a corrugation, inthe region of the constriction, which makes it even simpler for the userto remove the housing 16 from a container or to apply it precisely.

FIG. 14 shows a further embodiment. The same reference numbers are usedfor the components known from the preceding embodiments, and referenceis made to the above discussions in this respect.

An essential feature of the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 is that thecoupling cushion 14 is exchangeably mounted to the housing 16.Therefore, a user can exchange the coupling cushion 14 if this isrequired.

One reason for an exchange may reside in that the coupling cushion 14 isworn to such an extent that it no longer allows a reliable measurement,or that it has aged to such an extent and thus has become brittle suchthat a reliable measurement is no longer possible. A further reason foran exchange of the coupling cushion 14 may reside in that the fillinglevel measuring device 10 is to be adapted to different containers.

If it is intended to attach the filling level measuring device 10 to theuniformly convex bottom of a container 2, a first coupling cushion 14may be used which generates an appropriate contact pressure here. If, onthe other hand, the filling level measuring device 10 is to be attachedto the bottom of a container that is provided with a concave depressionin the center, a second coupling cushion 14′ may be used which, owing toa larger wall thickness in the central portion, protrudes further overthe housing 10 than the first coupling cushion 14 and thereforegenerates an appropriate contact pressure in spite of the depression atthe bottom of the container.

The coupling cushions may be adhesively bonded to the ultrasonicmeasuring head 12. To this end, a double-sided adhesive tape 99, forexample, may be provided on the ultrasonic measuring head 12 or on thecoupling cushion. The adhesive force of the adhesive tape 99 issufficient to fix the (exchange) coupling cushion 14 or 14′,respectively, in place to such an extent that it will not inadvertentlycome off the ultrasonic measuring head 12. The actual contact forcebetween the coupling cushion 14 or, respectively, 14′ and the ultrasonicmeasuring head is, however, produced after the assembly by the magneticforces that press the filling level measuring device 10 against thebottom of the container 2.

Alternatively or additionally, the coupling cushion 14 or, respectively,14′ may be fastened to the filling level measuring device 10mechanically. To this end, clamping connections or a quarter-turnfastener may be used, so that the coupling cushion can, on the one hand,be exchanged with little effort, but, on the other hand, is reliablyheld. These mechanical fastening means are indicated schematically by aholding ring 100.

The filling level measuring device 10 may be sold in a set together witha variety of coupling cushions, so that a user always has the correctcoupling cushion at his/her disposal for different containers or alwayshas a spare coupling cushion available for an exchange.

1. A filling level measuring device (10) for measuring the filling levelin a container (2) through the wall (9) thereof by means of ultrasound,comprising an ultrasonic measuring head (12), a controller (20), and afastening device (24) by means of which the filling level measuringdevice (10) can be fastened to the container (2) such that theultrasonic measuring head (12) is pressed against the wall (9) of thecontainer (2), an energy source (22) being integrated, a housing (16)being provided having the components of the filling level measuringdevice (10) integrated therein, and a coupling cushion (14) beingprovided which is arranged on that side of the ultrasonic measuring head(12) which faces the wall (9) of the container (2) characterized in thatthe fastening device (24) contains an adhesive.
 2. A filling levelmeasuring device (10) for measuring the filling level in a container (2)through the wall (9) thereof by means of ultrasound, comprising anultrasonic measuring head (12), a controller (20), and a fasteningdevice (24) by means of which the filling level measuring device (10)can be fastened to the container (2) such that the ultrasonic measuringhead (12) is pressed against the wall (9) of the container (2), anenergy source (22) being integrated, a housing (16) being providedhaving the components of the filling level measuring device (10)integrated therein, and a coupling cushion (14) being provided which isarranged on that side of the ultrasonic measuring head (12) which facesthe wall (9) of the container (2) characterized in that the fasteningdevice (24) contains a spring clip.
 3. A filling level measuring device(10) for measuring the filling level in a container (2) through the wall(9) thereof by means of ultrasound, comprising an ultrasonic measuringhead (12), a controller (20), and a fastening device (24) by means ofwhich the filling level measuring device (10) can be fastened to thecontainer (2) such that the ultrasonic measuring head (12) is pressedagainst the wall (9) of the container (2), an energy source (22) beingintegrated, a housing (16) being provided having the components of thefilling level measuring device (10) integrated therein, and a couplingcushion (14) being provided which is arranged on that side of theultrasonic measuring head (12) which faces the wall (9) of the container(2) characterized in that the fastening device (24) contains atensioning strap.